About NAEHCY's LeTendre Education Fund Scholarships

The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth provides scholarship assistance to students who are homeless or have experienced homelessness through the LeTendre Education Fund for Homeless Children, established in 1998 in memory of André E. LeTendre, husband of Mary Jean LeTendre, former Director of Compensatory Education for the U.S. Department of Education.

During his lifetime, André LeTendre was a teacher, debate coach, radio announcer, public relations specialist, director of human resources, a Congressional staff member, and a White House staffer. André was a friend and mentor to many young people and was especially committed to helping children in homeless situations. In the spirit of André's desire to help children in homeless situations, the LeTendre Education Fund supports their efforts to pursue higher education.

The LeTendre Fund is administered by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth.

A national advisory board including local, state, and national educators, as well as family, friends, and associates of the late André LeTendre, reviews the applications and makes the selection.

There will be a minimum of two $2,000 scholarships awarded annually. The scholarship is a one-time award. Additional financial support may be available for scholars in subsequent years.

Upon submission of evidence that you have enrolled in a post secondary program, the scholarship will be provided and may be used to help defray the costs of college tuition, fees, books, prep courses, or other educational expenses.

To date, the Fund has awarded scholarships to more than 220 recipients.

The scholarships will be awarded on Sunday, October 28, 2012, at the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

LeTendre scholarship funds are available to students who are homeless or who have been homeless during their K-12 school attendance, and who have demonstrated average or higher than average achievement.

According to federal law, a person who “lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence” is considered homeless. This includes people living in shelters, cars, motels, campgrounds, or places not meant for human habitation, as well as children and youth who are living with friends or relatives temporarily because they lack permanent housing.

Students who have not reached their 21^st birthday by September 1, 2012, and who have completed no more than one year of college are eligible to apply. Applicants may be high school seniors, students enrolled in a GED or other alternative education program, or recent graduates/GED recipients. If you are in high school and not yet enrolled in a post secondary program, the committee will hold your scholarship for you pending your enrollment.

LeTendre scholarship applications may be downloaded from the NAEHCY website at http://www.naehcy.org/letendre_app.html.

To receive an application via e-mail or fax, please contact Patricia Popp, NAEHCY LeTendre Chair, at (757) 221-7776 or pxpopp@wm.edu.

Applicants must submit:

1) A completed application form;
2) An essay about the impact of homelessness on the their lives and their desire to attend college (500-1,000 words; please see essay evaluation criteria listed below);
3) An official school transcript (include class ranking, if available); and
4) A minimum of one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other adult who can speak to the applicant's qualifications and experiences

This packet must be sent to:
Patricia A. Popp, Ph.D.
The LeTendre Education Fund
The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
9176 Harvey Hollow Drive
Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116

Materials may also be faxed to: (757) 221-5300.

Students' applications will be evaluated on:

1) Demonstrated commitment to education during the experience of homelessness;
2) Academic achievement and accomplishments;
3) Potential impact of the scholarship for the student’s educational career and discussion of how the scholarship money would be used.
4) Statement of goals and career interests; and
5) Grammar and use of language.

Applicants should write essays with these criteria in mind. The essay is the most important component of the application; letters of recommendation are also very important.

Submissions will be accepted by mail or by fax from January 1, 2012 - September 10, 2012. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm EDT on Monday, September 10, 2012.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The LeTendre Education Fund is dependent on donations for its existence. For more information about the Fund, please contact the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth:

Patricia Popp
LeTendre Education Fund
pxpopp@wm.edu
Ph: (757) 221-7776